Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Anal fistula is a chronic abnormal communication between the anal canal and the perianal skin. [1] An anal fistula can be described as a narrow tunnel with its internal opening in the anal canal and its external opening in the skin near the anus. [2] Anal fistulae commonly occur in people with a history of anal abscesses. They can form when ...
Goodsall's rule relates the external opening (in the perianal skin) of an anal fistula to its internal opening (in the anal canal). It states that if the perianal skin opening is posterior to the transverse anal line, the fistulous tract will open into the anal canal in the midline posteriorly, sometimes taking a curvilinear course.
Pain on passing stool may result from anal abscesses, small inflamed nodules, anal fissures, and anal fistulas. [5]: 915–916 Rectal and anal disease may be asymptomatic, or may present with pain when passing stools, fresh blood in stool, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or pencil-thin stools.
A rectal prolapse occurs when walls of the rectum have prolapsed to such a degree that they protrude out of the anus and are visible outside the body. [2] However, most researchers agree that there are 3 to 5 different types of rectal prolapse, depending on whether the prolapsed section is visible externally, and whether the full or only partial thickness of the rectal wall is involved.
Most anal fissures are caused by stretching of the anal mucous membrane beyond its capability. [3] Superficial or shallow anal fissures look much like a paper cut, and may be hard to detect upon visual inspection; they will generally self-heal within a couple of weeks. However, some anal fissures become chronic and deep and will not heal.
Anorectal abscess (also known as an anal/rectal abscess or perianal/perirectal abscess) is an abscess adjacent to the anus. [1] Most cases of perianal abscesses are sporadic, though there are certain situations which elevate the risk for developing the disease, such as diabetes mellitus , Crohn's disease , chronic corticosteroid treatment and ...
Rectovaginal fistulas are often the result of trauma during childbirth (in which case it is known as obstetric fistula), with increased risk associated with significant lacerations or interventions are used such as episiotomy or operative (forceps/vacuum extraction) deliveries [2] or in situations where there is inadequate health care, such as in some developing countries.
The diagnosis of a rectovestibular fistula can be made in female newborns if the vulva is stained with meconium (the earliest form of stool in an infant). [3] The opening of the anus may be difficult to see due to its small size and position, but it may be visible as a thickening of the median perineal raphe with an obvious anal dimple.